Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: Dengue is an arboviral disease caused by infection with any one of four related dengue virus (DENV) serotypes. The present study was conducted to assess dengue fever in children less than 16 years of age. Materials & Methods: 80 cases of dengue fever in children of both genders were diagnosed based on detection of DENV NS1 antigen ELISA, anti-JEV- and anti DENV-specific IgM antibodies in serum samples and in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Clinical and laboratory features were recorded. Results: Age group 12-14 years comprised of 30 boys and 16 girls and age group 15-16 years had 20 boys and 14 girls. Clinical features were fever present in 72, rashes in 56, respiratory distress in 45, pain abdomen in 60, loose stools in 15, headache in 34 and vomiting in 37. The difference was non- significant (P> 0.05). The mean hematocrit was 33.2%, platelets (per 103 /μl) was 2.61, white blood cells (per103 /μl) was 9.02, neutrophils was 5.25, lymphocytes was 2.15, urea was 4.1mmol/L, creatinine was 69.4μmol/l, alanine transaminase was 78.5IU/l, urine protein was 13.5mg/dL and urine red blood cells was 2.6. Conclusion: Dengue fever is common in children. Assessment of platelet counts may be helpful in early detection and management of patients.